When an 18-year-old Brittany Pike was deciding which career path to go down, her mum made a joke: “Wouldn’t it be funny if you ended up working with feet?”
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Fast-forward several years and it seems her mum was a modern-day Nostradamus.
Macksville-born and bred, Brittany has just returned from Newcastle University’s Central Coast campus where she earned her podiatry qualifications.
And in no time at all, the fresh-faced graduate was offered a full-time role at the new Nambucca Valley Care clinic beside the Boardwalk Arcade in Macksville.
“I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to get a job in this area. I thought I’d have to move to Sydney or a bigger city at least,” she said.
“But I’m so happy. I like being close to family and I loved growing up in the community here.”
While there are several visiting foot specialists who practise in the Nambucca, Brittany will be the first full-time Valley-based podiatrist.
The addition of this position in the community will likely reduce waiting times for patients.
Executive care manager at Nambucca Valley Care Jenny Zirkler said this was a new position created specifically with Brittany in mind.
“The organisation is very big on getting people back here in the community,” she said.
We’re very keen to have grads come back. And we made the decision that we needed to offer full-time places if we want people to return.
“I’ve had a lot of people say that it’s so good to see a local girl come back.”
Brittany is effusive in her explanation of the role that feet play in people’s health.
“A lot of patients say to me you don’t realise you have feet until you’re in pain with them,” she said.
“It can be quite serious. If diabetics don’t come in, they can get ulcers on the bottoms of their feet because they can’t feel them anymore.
“Rheumatoid and Osteo-arthritis can really affect the structure of the feet and cause difficulties with mobility.
“And if you’re older, it can be hard getting down to cut your nails.”
Brittany is keen to see anyone from the community with foot-related issues including nail-care, callous and corn treatment, diabetic and footwear assessments and falls prevention.
And she’s already being pro-active in establishing a good rapport with her patients.
“I don’t want people to feel like just another number in a big system – I want them to enjoy the experience.”